Just like the North Sea Sweater, the North Sea Cardigan is a unisex pattern for babies and children from newborn all the way up to 16 years old. The jute stitch worked all over the cardigan makes it a very timeless garment, perfect for being outdoors in the colder months.
The cardigan is worked from the top down with raglan increases along the upper body. Once the upper body is finished, the body and sleeves are worked separately, ending with a binding that mirrors the neckline binding. For a little extra, add a coloured contrast stripe on the buttonbands and sleeve bindings!
For the smaller ones, make sure to choose yarn that they will find comfortable such as a wool-alpaca blend similar to the one suggested in the pattern.
How does this testknit work?
This testknit is open to knitters of all levels. The techniques used in the pattern include raglan increases, the jute stitch pattern and normal decreases.
The pattern for this testknit is written in English, but all other communication can be made in either French, German, Luxembourgish, Icelandic, Danish or Spanish. Please note that I can not provide a translated pattern for the testknit, since the translations are only made once the pattern has gone through the final edits.
Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation email where I give you more details about the pattern and the testknit.
What else is important to know about testknitting in general?
The testknit is a very important part for me when designing a pattern, and crucial for making it ready for publication. Which is why, once you confirm your participation, it is important for me that I can count on your regular feedback and input, and be sure that you will indeed be able to complete the testknit. Please check the indicated deadline and only submit if you are certain it will be possible for you.
I will provide an online platform via SLACK where all testknitters can communicate and discuss about the pattern, and where also all updates and edits are posted as quickly as possible. Participating in this platform is no obligation of course, but it is a very practical way to keep updated on the pattern and to simply meet fellow knitters. All edits and updates along the way will be made via that platform.
I would be more than happy for you to post on social media about the testknit, using following hashtags: #northseascardigan #lillelarsenlux and ideally tagging me (@lillelarsenlux) so I can am sure to see it and repost it 😉
If you have never testknit before, don’t hesitate to reach out so we can see if this is something that could work for you.
Deadline of the testknit: April 23, 2023.
More details:
SIZES
0-3 mos, 3-6 mos, 6-12 mos (12-18 mos, 2y, 3y) [4y, 5y, 6y] {7y, 8y, 10y} [12y, 14y, 16y]
Since sizes for children vary a lot between the different ages, please make sure to check out the measurement indications below in order to choose the size that fits best.
MEASUREMENTS
CHEST CIRC. (to fit): 40.5, 43, 45.5 (51, 53.5, 56) [58.5, 61, 63.5] {66, 68.5, 72.5} [76, 80, 82.5] cm // 16, 17, 18 (20, 21, 22) [23, 24, 25] {26, 27, 28.5} [30, 31.5, 32.5]”
CHEST CIRC. (finished measurements): 45.5, 48, 50 (59.5, 61.5, 63.5) [68.5, 71.5, 73.5] {77, 78.5, 83.5} [86.5, 90, 93] cm //18, 19, 19.75 (23.5, 24.25, 25) [27, 28.25, 29] {30.25, 31, 32.75} [34, 35, 36.5]”
YARN
1 thread sport weight yarn
Gepard Garn Pura Lana (50% alpaca, 50% merino wool, eco-tex standard) (50 g / 115 m // 125 yds): 3, 4, 4 (5, 5, 6) [7, 7, 8] {9, 10, 11} [12, 13, 14] skeins
For the contrasting stripes: 80 meters / 87 yds in a contrasting colour
Meters: 316, 357, 424 (529, 564, 629) [713, 774, 838] {956, 1058, 1191} [1313, 1423, 1506]
Yardage: 346, 391, 464 (579, 617, 688) [780, 847, 917] {1046, 1157, 1303} [1436, 1557, 1648]
MATERIALS
8 stitch markers / stitch holders or scrap yarn / tapestry needle /
NEEDLES
Circular needle 3.5 mm (US 4), 60-80 cm (24-32”) in length (depending on size you are working)
Circular needle 3 mm (US 2.5), 60-80 cm (24-32”) in length (depending on size you are working)
Circular needle 3.5 mm (US 4), 40 cm (16”) in length or double-pointed needles Circular needle 3 mm (US 2.5), 40 cm (16”) in length or double-pointed needles
GAUGE
10 x 10 cm (4 x 4”) = 19 sts x 26 rows in stockinette stitch on 3.5 mm (US 4) needle
10 x 10 cm (4 x 4”) = 28 sts x 32 rows in jute stitch on 3.5 mm (US 4) needle
For this pattern, the gauge in jute stitch is the most important for ensuring the best result.
